Santa Ana River Lakes. This weekend

Hey guys,
So my dad came down from Missoula, Montana.
He wants to do some fishing this Sat. With my nephews and i, so needless too say i will not be on a tube. Bcuz him or my nephews do not have one.
So i will be fishing from shore this weekend.
It will be my first time at Santa Ana River Lakes.
Does anyone have any insight on hotspots from shore at this lake?
Best lures and baits too use?

It has been forever sense I fished there not sure about were to fish as I think it is just a big dirt hole. But I remember it was a big bait and weight type lake, what are you fishing for cats bait it, trout I will use trout worms, just my 2 cents.

Yeah, it's been a while since i've been there and it's always been bait and wait for me on the shore. I've fished near the drain and where they stock (I believe they call it the bubble hole) and it seemed to be productive. The last time I remember, you didn't even have to cast far. They were about 25 feet out. good luck and post up a report. Bring the tube and launch out since you're there.

Yellowrock wrote:Yeah, it's been a while since i've been there and it's always been bait and wait for me on the shore. I've fished near the drain and where they stock (I believe they call it the bubble hole) and it seemed to be productive. The last time I remember, you didn't even have to cast far. They were about 25 feet out. good luck and post up a report. Bring the tube and launch out since you're there.

I would love too take my tube but i gotta stay close too my pops...health reasons.

gotcha brother. That's so cool that you're hosting a fishing trip with the family. Bring out the lounge/beach chairs and rod holders and chill. Oh, get some night crawlers and meal worms.

Yellowrock wrote:gotcha brother. That's so cool that you're hosting a fishing trip with the family. Bring out the lounge/beach chairs and rod holders and chill. Oh, get some night crawlers and meal worms.

Thats all a must have lol

Like others have Said , the bubble hole , the boat docks ! Cast close to shore no more then 25 ft out and use short leaders on bait or micetails (10-12")

Trout :
Plastic : Micetails (Whitehead/orangebody & pinkhead/whitebody)
Bait : NightCrawlers , powerbait gold or Rainbow
Scent : bite-on Garlic , dip that worm right in Artifical or Crawler

Catfish :
Bait : Shrimp/marshmellow combo - makes it float ! NightCrawler or Marsh/mealworm combo
Info - The lake has never fished well on Mackerel , but you never know
Scent : Bite-On Cajun !!

Can find the scents @ Sports Chalet , or irvine lake Tackle shop ! if you cannot pick anything up Lip Ripperz makes a Scent - Love Sauce and it has ok results , you can pick it up at SARL !

Have Fun out there with the Family and Slay a big one !

WES

Hey Mike909

I was out their march 1st and nailed them on power bait...i used the chunky cheese one, galrlic flavor...even though i was shooting for trout i landed 3 cats....this lake is holding lots of fish...just gotta get them to bite and its on.....but then went again on this past wed and was skunked...

good luck out their!!!!   hope you guys nail them!

tony G

Thank You Misfitdog
And thank you fishingdachronarch.
Imma try the spots u guys have said. My pops is real big on powerbait. Im more of a luren spinner person lol so im gonna try those

Time with pops.....PRICELESS! Wished I had the opportunity to do so when he was around. What I would give to have that time with him right now. Have fun and enjoy every minute....and maybe catch a fish too.  

Things didnt go as planned lol
We hit Prado Regional Park, instead of Santa Ana River lake.
Because my dad woke up too late.
i got skunked but my youngest nephew didnt

He hooked up a huge Rainbow...im guessing about 7lbs...ill try too post a pic of him n my dad later

Great to hear Mike that you got into 1 big one , looking forward to seeing this fish . I bet it was beautiful in color .

Oooooh congrats on the big bow. Any bow over 3 lbs is considered a toad to me. Can't wait for the pics.